A graduate of The Citadel with a background in business administration, Kevin’s path was also shaped by his time in the United States Marine Corps. “That experience played a significant role in shaping my approach to leadership, accountability, and consistency,” he shares. “Those values guide how my team and I show up each day for the people and businesses we work with across the Lowcountry.” Kevin has been connected with State Farm since 1997 and has served as an agent in the Lowcountry since 2008. Over the years, he has built a reputation for clear communication and dependable service, helping clients navigate everything from auto and home insurance to life and business coverage. At the heart of his work is a simple philosophy: take the time to make things understandable. “Insurance can feel complicated,” Kevin says. “My goal is to walk people through it in a way that’s clear, practical and tailored to their life.” His approach is rooted in patience, clarity, and consistency. “I take the time to walk through insurance topics related to vehicles, homes, and business operations so conversations remain productive and easy to follow. Building long-standing relationships within the community is important to me, and I truly appreciate the continued support from those we work with year after year.” That commitment extends beyond the office. Kevin is actively involved in the community, serving with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of the Lowcountry, Business Network International, the American Red Cross as a …
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They grew up in families where doing things right wasn’t optional, and they believed clients deserved a builder who shared that mindset. So they stepped away from corporate life and into something more meaningful: creating homes built on trust, transparency, and true craftsmanship. Though Scott began his early career as a CPA, he has spent decades as a full-time builder, completing more than 300 homes throughout Bluffton, Okatie, and Hilton Head. His accounting background isn’t the headline—it’s the advantage. That financial expertise gives him a rare ability to manage budgets with clarity and accuracy, ensuring clients feel informed and confident from day one. Scott approaches every project with the belief that a home should be both a beautiful place to live and a smart long-term investment. For clients, that means realistic planning, purposeful spending, and the assurance that every detail is handled with integrity. While Scott brings the structural and financial foundation, Anne brings the heart of the design experience. She guides clients through selections, operations, and the creative process, making sure form and function work seamlessly together. Her goal is never to chase trends but to craft spaces that feel personal, layered, and lived-in. Clients trust her to curate every step—connecting the right architects, suppliers, and partners to bring each vision to life with ease and authenticity. Ask Scott and Anne what sets Southern Coastal Homes apart, and the answer is simple: they genuinely care. Clients feel that care in the conversations, the responsiveness, and the willingness to listen …
At the center of the firm is founder Ben Shelton, whose diverse background and extensive courtroom experience shape the firm’s hands-on, client-focused approach. Shelton began his legal career in 2008 as a prosecutor in South Carolina’s 14th Judicial Circuit, where he quickly gained meaningful trial experience handling serious and often violent cases. He later served as the lead prosecutor in Colleton County during a time of heightened criminal activity, building a reputation for diligence, preparation, and effectiveness in the courtroom. This early experience laid a strong foundation for his ability to navigate complex legal matters and advocate confidently on behalf of his clients. In 2014, Shelton transitioned into private practice, expanding his focus to civil litigation. His work now includes personal injury, insurance disputes, property damage claims, and business litigation. This breadth of experience allows him to approach each case with a well-rounded legal perspective, understanding both the technical and human elements involved. Over the years, he has successfully helped clients recover millions of dollars in damages while guiding them through often challenging and unfamiliar legal processes. Shelton’s path to law is uniquely shaped by his early experiences. Raised in a small North Carolina town by two educators, he developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for community. Before pursuing a legal career, he earned a degree in music and spent time performing and teaching. That background continues to influence his ability to communicate clearly, think creatively, and connect with clients from all walks of life. Today, Shelton …
“It’s not just about fabric, color, or design—it’s about creating a feeling,” she says. “When everything comes together and a client walks into their space and says, ‘This feels like home,’ that’s the moment that makes it all worthwhile.” One of the most memorable milestones in her journey came when she realized that her work is as much about relationships as it is about design. Early on, a client trusted her completely with their home during a major life transition. Seeing how the finished space brought comfort and a sense of renewal revealed the deeper impact of what she does. That experience continues to shape every project, guiding her to lead with care, empathy, and intention. Like any creative path, there have been challenges. Balancing client expectations, timelines, and the unpredictable nature of materials and installations can be demanding. “There have been moments where things didn’t go as planned,” Nikki shares, “but those experiences taught me resilience and problem-solving.” She has learned to stay flexible, communicate clearly, and focus on solutions rather than setbacks. While every project holds meaning, the ones that stand out most are those where a client’s story is woven into the design. Whether creating a dream home years in the making or a space that becomes the backdrop for everyday family moments, Nikki finds it incredibly rewarding to know her work becomes part of people’s lives. Guided by integrity, authenticity, and attention to detail, Nikki approaches each project with honesty and care. “I want my clients …
After years of feeling unheard and dismissed by traditional medicine, Erin turned inward, learning to read the signals of her own body and ultimately restoring her health through a holistic, hormone-focused approach. That personal journey became the heartbeat of Revive Wellness, where healing means far more than managing symptoms—it means coming home to yourself. Revive Wellness stands apart for its balance of advanced hormone optimization and functional medicine with emotional and lifestyle support. Erin’s care philosophy is simple yet profound: listen deeply, treat the root cause, and educate every patient to understand and trust their body. Whether helping a woman navigate perimenopause or a man regain energy and confidence, her team meets each individual exactly where they are— with compassion, integrity, and science-backed guidance. For Erin, the most meaningful moments are when transformation unfolds in real time. She recalls one patient—a father who came to Revive hoping to lower his blood pressure and lose weight. What began as a health plan became a journey of self-rediscovery. As his physical wellness improved, so did his confidence and peace of mind. “He wanted to be a better role model for his kids,” Erin shares, “and by healing himself, he did exactly that.” Those stories—those lives changed—are what remind her why she does this work. Beyond patient care, Revive Wellness has become a pillar of education and empowerment in Bluffton. Through workshops, community events, and open conversations about hormones and holistic health, Erin is helping residents take ownership of their …
They may be healing from cancer, rebuilding confidence after childbirth or weight loss or simply hoping to feel more like themselves again. Heidi Harrington, M.D., understands that, and it guides her every day. Dr. Harrington has many of the qualities you’d hope to see in a plastic surgeon. Board-certified and fellowship-trained, she is creative and artistic, unapologetically detail oriented and deeply passionate about improving her patients’ lives and confidence through plastic surgery. Her approach is grounded not only in technical expertise, but in genuine human connection. “I want my patients to feel like they’re sitting down with a friend who happens to be an expert in plastic surgery,” Dr. Harrington said. “That’s when the best work happens—when we listen, collaborate and create a plan together.” While leading the plastic surgery practice, Dr. Harrington is also working in tandem with board certified and fellowship trained breast oncology surgeons to build a breast reconstruction program at Beaufort Memorial. The goal is to offer advanced, life changing reconstructive options to breast cancer patients close to home, without requiring them to travel far from their support systems. A New Jersey native, Dr. Harrington grew up on a horse farm and originally envisioned a career as a veterinarian. Her fascination with biology and problem solving eventually led her to Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, where she graduated summa cum laude and discovered plastic surgery was the ideal blend of science, function and creativity for her. She completed her …
After moving to the South Carolina Lowcountry decades ago, Ned was struck by the contrast he saw every day: areas of great beauty and prosperity existing side by side with deep generational poverty. That reality stayed with him, shaping his perspective and prompting a lifelong question of how could meaningful change happen for children growing up in those circumstances? That question eventually led to the founding of Real Champions Inc. Alongside Dr. Carl Martin, Ned helped create the organization with a shared vision: to break the cycle of generational poverty by investing directly in the lives of vulnerable children. Real Champions takes a unique approach to mentorship. Rather than short-term programs, the organization pairs professionally trained, full-time Advocate mentors with children beginning in early elementary school and walking with them all the way through high school graduation. These mentors invest deeply in each child’s development, academically, emotionally, and socially, helping them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed. As a member of the board, Ned continues to champion this mission and the long-term impact it can have on families and communities throughout the region. His heart for service and commitment to meaningful solutions helped lay the foundation for a program designed not just to help children survive difficult circumstances, but to give them the support needed to truly thrive. Through Real Champions, Ned and the team are working toward a future where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to grow, succeed, and …
For over two decades, Pippi has been photographing life in the Lowcountry through the lens of Pip&Co, her photography venture built on a simple belief: every moment holds a story worth keeping. With a background in marketing and a deep instinct for journalistic-style photography, she has a way of knowing where and when to be—catching the candid laugh, the quiet glance, the unrepeatable instant—and freezing it into something that begs to be framed. Her award-winning work has graced the pages of Local Life, CH2, and Plantation Living, among others. From red carpet events and weddings to intimate portraits and corporate storytelling, Pippi brings a creative eye sharpened by years of crafting social media content and brand imagery. But ask anyone who has stood in front of her camera, and they’ll tell you the same thing: her infectious personality puts even the most photophobic at ease. What truly sets Pippi apart is how deeply she knows this place. Tide charts, secret locations, the way the light falls differently on Pinckney Island than it does off the Calibogue Sound—these are details earned only by time and attention. She is also a gifted instructor, leading workshops that teach shutterbugs of every level how to capture dynamic, “Insta-worthy” shots with nothing more than a smartphone. “It’s a big moment, and you only get one shot at getting it right,” Pippi says, adjusting her lens as the heron wheels back over the creek. “That’s what drives me every single time.”
For Lola, this journey is deeply personal. “I’ve always had pride in my heritage,” she shares, “and I wanted to create a space where those stories could be experienced and understood.” What began as a calling has grown into something truly special, offering both locals and visitors a meaningful glimpse into a culture that has shaped Hilton Head Island in profound ways. Her path was not without challenges. After returning home during the uncertainty of COVID and experiencing the loss of her father, Lola found herself rethinking everything. “That season made me realize how short life is,” she reflects. “It pushed me to search for my true purpose, and that’s what led me here.” Stepping away from her career in law was not easy, but it opened the door for her to build something that aligned with her heart. Today, Lola’s work is rooted in authenticity and education. Every person who walks into Binya leaves with more than a purchase. “I want people to feel like they’ve discovered something new and meaningful,” she says. “It’s about connection, understanding, and honoring where we come from.” Looking ahead, Lola is filled with vision and quiet excitement for what’s to come. She hopes to expand her impact through more cultural consulting and meaningful projects that continue to spotlight the beauty and significance of Gullah heritage. “I truly believe there is so much more ahead,” she says with a smile. “There are stories still waiting to be told and spaces where …
Featured Story
At a time when culinary education is rapidly evolving, a new Dean is bringing fresh energy and vision to the Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Culinary Institute of the South. Chef Jacqueline Orak’s appointment in August of 2024 marks a meaningful step forward for representation in both higher education and the culinary industry, fields where women have historically been underrepresented in top roles. With a background that blends industry experience and academic leadership, she steps into a role that demands both creativity and strategic thinking. She is responsible for shaping curriculum, guiding faculty & staff, and ensuring students are prepared for real-world kitchens and food systems. The position also requires oversight of operations, budgeting, & industry partnerships, making it one of the most complex leadership roles on campus. Having mastered the many aspects of the culinary and hospitality field, Dean Orak felt it time to disseminate her vast knowledge to future chefs. Her passion for the industry shows through in her excitement in pastries and other specialty baked goods prepared by students at the campus-based Clist Café, which has become a favorite spot for coffee lovers. Dean Orak helps students glimpse into the future to learn what the culinary world demands of a new chef. “We’re training our students to make their mark in the industry – to become Executive Chefs, Corporate Chefs, Private Chefs…there are so many different and exciting roles they can play locally and internationally and we are preparing them for those opportunities!” Dean Orak’s leadership style …
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